David, I don't think there is anything "unreal" or inferior about bourbon. It's "different" than Scotch, and perhaps lacks the cachet due to a number of factors (not the least of which are price and Eurosnobbery). My opinion is that American Whiskey is no less noble than Scotch Whisky. I suppose you could make a case that Scotch can be more complex because of the peat, but something isn't necessarily "better" because it is more "complex".

Drink what you like. Honestly, I really wish that I enjoyed Scotch more, because there is obviously tremendous variety and richness in the products.

My go-to Islay has been Lagavulin for many years. Unfortunately I still remember the days of being able to pick up a bottle for around $75 and it's now closer to $120, so I don't have a bottle going as often as I'd like. Lately I've been sampling the Buichladdich distillery products, which is actually an old name that has recently been re-born. I've only had a chance to try some of their un-peated selections, but I note that they now have a line of heavily-peated choices if that's your thing.

Can't go wrong with Glenfiddich--it's like the Chardonnay of single-malts. The first time I tried an Islay scotch I thought I was going to wretch...and then I was introduced to the "Godfather" cocktail. It's a scotch (the smokier the better) with a splash of Amaretto over ice.

I am on the brink of moving away from tequila as my beverage of choice.

Couldn't tell much of a difference between Lagavulin and Bowmore, but like them both. Interestingly, the bottler McLelland's now has a line of budget single-malts (30-35 CAD) from every part of Scotland. Hope to try the Islay in the next few weeks.

David, I don't think there is anything "unreal" or inferior about bourbon. It's "different" than Scotch, and perhaps lacks the cachet due to a number of factors (not the least of which are price and Eurosnobbery). My opinion is that American Whiskey is no less noble than Scotch Whisky. I suppose you could make a case that Scotch can be more complex because of the peat, but something isn't necessarily "better" because it is more "complex".

Drink what you like. Honestly, I really wish that I enjoyed Scotch more, because there is obviously tremendous variety and richness in the products.

Yeah, I was joking about the "real whisky thing. That reminds me, Last time we were in Mexico there was a European couple that was giving me a hard time for drinking good ol American whiskey